Anakeesta Blog

Most guests arrive at Anakeesta with a list. Ride Hellbender. Walk the Treetop Skywalk. Watch the sun drop behind the Smokies from Clifftop. Between those stops, guests find themselves browsing the boutique tucked inside a freshly painted fairy-tale building, pulling kids away from a toy store that earned their full attention, or lingering inside a massive trading post at the base of a mountain coaster stacked floor-to-ceiling with bear plushies. Shopping at Anakeesta is part of the mountain itself. What Shopping Options Are at Anakeesta? From boutique women’s apparel and handcrafted souvenirs to nature-inspired gifts and Smoky Mountains keepsakes, Anakeesta is home to a wide variety of shops spread across the mountain.  Whether you’re shopping for a gift, picking up a memento of the trip, or just wandering between adventures, the retail experience at Anakeesta is worth building time into your visit. Table of Contents 1. Firefly Village Firefly Village is the central gathering area of Anakeesta, where winding pathways, live music, fire pits, and mountain views come together. As part of our Making More Magic expansion, the village just underwent its most substantial transformation since the park opened.  Building facades throughout the village received a full exterior refresh, new stone pathways were relaid, a decorative stream now meanders through the space, and covered bridges and seating areas have been added throughout. The overall effect is a space that rewards slow exploration, with something new to notice at every turn. Three retail shops anchor the Firefly Village shopping experience. Catching Fireflies: A long-time guest favorite, Catching Fireflies carries women’s apparel, jewelry, home accents, and accessories in vibrant pinks, purples, golds, and plenty of glitter. Following the Making More Magic refresh, the boutique has a more curated feel, with a tighter selection that leans into its mountain boutique identity. Adventure Outpost: Anakeesta’s primary souvenir shop, Adventure Outpost, is stocked with logoed t-shirts, hoodies, hats, keychains, and […]

If you’re interested in what to expect from The Crystal Express during a visit to Anakeesta, check out our guide to one of the most unique gondola systems in the world.

Summer in the Smoky Mountains starts with ridgelines turning a deep, hazy green and the Parkway filling with families and couples mapping out their days. During this time, Gatlinburg settles into one of its best seasons, with the city one of the most popular destinations in the Smokies over the summer months. 

Over the past several months, the Making More Magic expansion has reached milestone after milestone across the mountain. The Crystal Express towers are up, the haul rope is tensioned, and cabins are riding the line. Firefly Village has a fresh coat of paint and new trim on its buildings, and the Treetop Skywalk is stringing its final bridges. 

Learn more about how Anakeesta’s group rates work!

Check our our guide to the best things to do in Gatlinburg on Spring Break for college students and families!

You don’t need a pack, poles, or a trail map to have a Smoky Mountains weekend that feels like you really got into the mountains. In Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, you can ride up to sweeping overlooks, linger in gardens, cruise scenic roads with pull-offs, and wrap the day with comfort food and a cozy stroll through town. If your idea of a great trip includes big views and zero steep climbs, our guide to a Smokies weekend without hiking is perfect for you. Table of Contents Can You Enjoy the Smokies Without Hiking? Yes, there’s plenty to do in the Smoky Mountains that doesn’t involve hiking, such as adventure parks, museums, shopping centers, live shows, and a diverse selection of restaurants, breweries, and bars. Between Gatlinburg’s mountaintop attractions and the national park’s drive-friendly overlooks, you can spend the weekend soaking up mountain scenery at your own pace, with plenty of places to sit, snack, and wander. 8 Things to Do on a Smoky Mountains Weekend Without Hiking As you look for laid-back things to do, check out our top eight recommendations for a Smokies weekend without hiking: 1. Take a Smoky Mountains Gondola Ride In the Smokies, gondola rides make it easy to gain elevation fast and trade street-level views for mountaintop panoramas. For example, Anakeesta’s scenic gondola ride, the Crystal Express, takes you from the Parkway up to the adventure park. As you sitin the Crystal Express’s spacious glass-bottom cabins, you can enjoy 360-degree views of the Smoky Mountains on the scenic ride. If you ride up to Anakeesta in the Gondola, the whole day can be as relaxed or as adventurous as you want it to be. Admission includes all-day access plus unlimited scenic rides on Anakeesta’s gondolas, so you can ride up for sunrise-style views, head back down for a break, and then return later for dinner and evening experiences. 2. […]